Johnny R. Quintanilla
Student Learning and Development
In order to be an effective practitioner in the field, new professionals need to be able to understand and practice theory. Both NASPA and ACPA have identified the Student Learning and Development competency as being critical in the success of any student affairs professional. This is why I believe that BGSU College Student Personnel (CSP) program places a large emphasis learning Student Development Theory to inform practice. I believe that my education within the College Student Personnel program has allowed me to develop proficiency in this competency area.
Narratives, Activities, & Artifacts
As a graduate student in the CSP program, I was required to take the above courses in order to become well-versed in and well-informed of student development theories. Having knowledge of these theories allowed me to apply them to my experiences as a Graduate Hall Director. This foundation allows me to utilize theories such as the Baxter-Magolda’s Self-Authorship, Schlossberg’s Transition Theory, and Kolb’slearning preferences in how I interact with student on a daily basis within my internship. Additionally, having an understanding for environmental theory also helped me understand how an institutional environment can contribute or hinder the experience of students and play a major role in their retention.
Within my class experiences, I have been able to articulate my understanding of these theories through papers, discussions, and presentations. Our courses are designed create an environment where ideas and experiences can be shared in order to foster intellectual dialogue. This dialogue allowed to us hear firsthand experiences and ideas of how to implement theory into practice. Furthermore, I believe that our faculty challenged and supported our own development by emphasizing the importance of being able to articulate our selves through various mediums.
College Student Personal (CSP) Courses & Syllabi
CSP 6940: Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM)
& First-Year Experience Specialist Paper
My Experience in CSP 6940: Strategic Enrollment Management allowed me to critique and analyze current practices at BGSU. This course required me to research and apply theory to support my arguments and recommendations for Presidents’ Day and the First-Year Experience at BGSU. Using various readings and articles, I wrote two lengthy papers critiquing both areas. Each paper required me to develop a well-organized argument to change current practices. Additionally, I was required to present my argument to the rest of my classmates and the Vice President of Enrollment Management in order to ensure my understanding of the material.
Basic
Articulate theories and models that describe the development of college students and the conditions and practices that facilitate holistic development.
Identify and define types of theories (e.g., learning, psychosocial and identity development, cognitive-structural, typological, and environmental).
Identify the limitations in applying existing theories and models to varying student demographic groups.
Articulate one's own developmental journey and identify one's own informal theories of student development and learning (also called "theories-in-use") and how they can be informed by formal theories to enhance work with students.
Generate ways in which various learning theories and models can inform training and teaching practice.
Identify and construct learning outcomes for both daily practice as well as teaching and training activities.
Assess teaching, learning, and training and incorporate the results into practice.
Intermediate
Design programs and services to promote student learning and development that are based on current research on student learning and development theories.
Utilize theory-to-practice models to inform individual or unit practice.
Justify using learning theory to create learning opportunities.
Identify and take advantage of opportunities for curriculum and program development and construct, where appropriate, in order to encourage continual learning and developmental growth.
Create and assess learning outcomes to evaluate progress toward fulfilling the mission of the department, the division, and the institution.
I demonstrate competency by
CSP 6020: Theory and Assessment of College Student Development Syllabus
CSP 6040: Educational Outcomes of American Colleges and Universities Syllabus